Native, Gay and Unfiltered: Jon Reclaims His Story EP 782
Special guest Jon returns to TAGS to continue the powerful conversation he began with us in 2023—but this time, we are meeting even more of the man behind the story.
Jon introduces his new podcast, Why Not?!, a deeply personal project exploring his life, family history and the experiences that have shaped him. He opens up about his Native American heritage, his connection to culture and community, and what it means to navigate the world at the intersection of Native and gay identity.
We also revisit Jon’s journey with HIV, including the lasting impact of his previous misdiagnosis, the importance of advocating for yourself within the healthcare system, and the realities of finding informed, affirming care and support while living in Oklahoma.
Together, we discuss chosen family, cultural belonging, healthcare access, stigma and the power of telling your own story before someone else tells it for you.
Plus, Jon reveals why this is the right moment to launch his podcast, what he hopes listeners will take from his experiences and the parts of his story he is finally ready to share.
In this episode:
• Jon’s life since his first appearance on TAGS
• Why he created the new podcast Why Not?!
• His Native American background and family history
• The intersection of Native and gay identity
• Cultural community, chosen family and belonging
• Living openly as a gay man in Oklahoma
• Navigating HIV, misdiagnosis and healthcare
• Finding queer-affirming medical and emotional support
• Turning difficult experiences into purpose
• Reclaiming your story through podcasting
Hot Topic: Perez Hilton attempts suicide on TikTok and is rushed to the hospital...
Hot Topic: Walmart employee gets the support needed when a disgruntled customer takes a picture and posts it...
Hot Topic: Producers of Season 2 of "Heated Rivalry" ask nosy fans to keep distance if they see filming...
Hot Topic: 10,000 square foot gay bathhouse may be coming to New York ending age old HIV stigma..
Thirst Trap: which adult performer took the hottest shot of the week...
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Follow Jon's new podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033ZRuUustDuQFje9YrBgT?si=2740cc79bf2b4d9b
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LISTEN TO EP 782 WHEREVER YOU GET YOUR PODCASTS HERE: linktr.ee/tagspodcastlinks
SHOW NOTES:
A new HIV diagnosis doesn’t have to be nerve-racking https://www.advocate.com/health/hiv/the-talk-new-hiv-diagnosis
Gay employee of Walmart fires back at internet troll: https://www.queerty.com/ill-never-stop-being-myself-gay-employee-fires-back-at-online-troll-in-the-best-way-possible-20260805/
10,000 square foot bathhouse coming to New York ending decades long HIV stigma - https://www.queerty.com/this-10000-sq-ft-world-class-isnt-even-open-yet-the-gays-are-already-snapping-their-towels-20260805/
Thirst Trap - Which adult performer took the hottest shot of the week? https://str8upgayporn.com/thirst-trap-recap-gay-porn-star-josh-moore-curved-king-whitexicqn-greg-kelley-hung-jake/
Follow and Subscribe to Steve V's new Substack features weekly articles: https://substack.com/@thenakedtruthsteve
